Sheffield United: Blades consider loans

Nigel Clough, the Sheffield United manager, has refused to rule-out the possibility of entering the loan market before Saturday’s League One encounter against Gillingham, writes James Shield.

Clough, whose side visit Leyton Orient in the Capital One Cup this evening, made the admission after expressing concerns about aspects of their performance during last weekend’s defeat at Swindon Town.

United, who have identified Blackpool centre-forward Steve Davies as a potential target, could also bolster their defensive options after allowing Andy Butler to join divisional rivals Walsall.

“The budget is there for us to do that,” Clough said. “We’ll wait until after this round of Capital One Cup games and then see how results there impact upon things.

“But, as always, our main aim is working with and improving the players we have already got.”

Clough added: “We’re not fussed about so-called marquee signings. All we are bothered about is making sure we bring in good players.

“But, as much as we’ve been disappointed with out previous two performances (Colchester and Swindon), there have been some positives too. Some gradual improvements and we know what we have to do.”

Midfielder James Wallace could return to action at the Matchroom Stadium after making progress in his battle to overcome a groin problem.

“James was close to being involved at Swindon but we decided against it,” Clough said. “As everyone knows, he’s missed a lot of football with a groin problem but this is on the other side so it’s not the same thing.

“In fairness, when you’ve been out a while, you are always likely to pick up little niggles when you come back. It’s inevitable to some degree and you just have to expect it.

“But he’s trained during the build-up to this one so we’ll wait and see how he is.”